Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned that the $1.07 billion earmarked for the health sector in the 2025 budget must be protected from corruption, referencing past bizarre claims of public funds being swallowed by animals.
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku emphasized the need for strict public audit and accountability, especially given dwindling resources and reduced external support for healthcare services. He criticized the government’s lack of transparency on how the funds—sourced mainly from foreign loans and international donors—would be utilized in the primary healthcare sector.
“It is immoral for the government not to provide extensive details on how these funds will be spent,” Atiku stated, questioning why no specific physical infrastructure projects were linked to the budget. He accused the Tinubu administration of failing to address key health concerns like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Meanwhile, in a bid to enhance budget accountability, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria have announced a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Their focus will be on monitoring budget implementation at both national and sub-national levels.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, CSO representative Splendor Agbonkpolor stressed the need to track budget effectiveness and curb corruption in procurement processes.
“We have seen instances where contractors receive huge sums, yet no projects exist on the ground. By reporting such discrepancies to the EFCC, investigations can be expedited,” Agbonkpolor said.
Olukoyede welcomed the collaboration, acknowledging that the fight against corruption requires collective effort. “Budget implementation and monitoring are critical. Having civil society with us strengthens our mission,” he stated.
The partnership aims to ensure that public funds are properly utilized, preventing wastage and mismanagement in the health sector.
